Are you an aspiring researcher looking for a fully supported PhD opportunity in Australia? La Trobe University is offering a range of project-based graduate research scholarships for prospective PhD students interested in specific research projects across fields including health, cancer research, artificial intelligence, engineering, agriculture, education, sociology and social sciences, psychology, nursing, biotechnology and other areas.

Successful applicants can receive a stipend valued at $36,000 per year at the 2026 full-time rate for 3.5 years, together with a tuition fee scholarship for four years, as well as thesis and relocation allowances.

Unlike scholarships that have one fixed annual deadline, the La Trobe Project-Based PhD Scholarships are open year-round. Individual projects remain available until filled, meaning prospective applicants should review the available projects and contact the relevant supervisor as early as possible.

The scholarships are available to both domestic and international applicants, subject to meeting the university’s PhD admission requirements and any additional conditions attached to the selected research project.

La Trobe University Project-Based PhD Scholarships 2026

La Trobe University provides project-based scholarships to support doctoral researchers working on specific research topics proposed by university researchers and their partner research institutions.

The projects span a wide range of disciplines, providing opportunities for prospective PhD candidates with different academic and research backgrounds.

Rather than applying for a general scholarship without a defined research topic, applicants must select one of the available PhD projects and demonstrate their suitability for that particular research area.

Successful candidates will work with the relevant research team and primary supervisor while undertaking their doctoral research at La Trobe University.

Key Scholarship Details

• University: La Trobe University
• Country: Australia
• Study level: PhD / Doctoral research
• Scholarship type: Project-based graduate research scholarship
• Stipend: $36,000 per year
• Stipend duration: 3.5 years
• 2026 stipend rate: $36,000 per annum for full-time study
• Tuition support: Tuition fee scholarship for 4 years
• Additional support: Thesis and relocation allowances
• Application period: Open year-round
• Project availability: Until filled
• Commencement: Successful applicants can commence at any time with the support of their supervisor
• Applicants: Domestic and international applicants
• Research requirement: Applicants must meet PhD entry requirements and the requirements of their chosen project

What Does the La Trobe PhD Scholarship Provide?

The scholarship package consists of several forms of financial support.

1. $36,000 Annual Stipend

Successful full-time PhD scholarship recipients will receive a stipend valued at $36,000 per year based on the 2026 full-time rate.

The stipend is available for 3.5 years.

This provides financial support to doctoral researchers while they undertake their research and doctoral studies.

The stipend should not be confused with a salary from employment. It is scholarship support provided to assist eligible PhD researchers during their doctoral candidature.

2. Tuition Fee Scholarship

Successful scholarship recipients also receive a tuition fee scholarship for four years for their doctoral degree.

This is particularly important for international students because international PhD tuition fees can represent a significant financial commitment.

The tuition fee component means eligible scholarship recipients do not have to personally cover the eligible tuition fees covered by the scholarship during the applicable period.

3. Thesis Allowance

The scholarship package also includes a thesis allowance.

This provides additional support related to the completion of the doctoral thesis.

4. Relocation Allowance

Successful applicants can also receive a relocation allowance, which may be particularly relevant to candidates who need to move to Australia to undertake their research.

Applicants should check the specific scholarship and project conditions to understand the applicable allowance arrangements.

PhD Scholarships Are Open Year-Round

One of the major advantages of this opportunity is that there is no single annual application deadline for the project-based PhD scholarships.

La Trobe University states that:

Applications are open year-round.

However, this does not mean that every project remains available indefinitely.

The available projects are listed on the university’s website and will remain open until filled.

For this reason, interested applicants should not wait until the end of the year to contact a supervisor.

A project could be filled before another applicant submits their materials.

When Can Successful Applicants Start?

Successful applicants can commence at any time, provided they have the support of their supervisor and have completed the required admission and scholarship processes.

This provides greater flexibility compared with scholarships that only permit students to start at one fixed intake each year.

However, the actual commencement date will depend on the selected project, supervisor, admission process and university requirements.

Who Can Apply for the La Trobe Project-Based PhD Scholarships?

The scholarships are designed for people seeking to undertake doctoral research at La Trobe University.

Both domestic and international applicants are addressed in the application instructions.

Applicants must first ensure that they satisfy La Trobe University’s general requirements for admission to a PhD.

They must then check whether they meet any additional academic, research, disciplinary or other requirements specified for their selected project.

International Applicants

International applicants can apply through La Trobe University’s international application system.

They must select:

“Project-based PhD Scholarship OR La Trobe Industry Research Scholarship”

when prompted during the application process.

International applicants must also complete a Research Statement Form for their nominated project and attach it to their application.

Only one project may be nominated.

Are Applicants From All Countries Eligible?

The information provided does not list a particular country, continent or nationality restriction for the project-based scholarships.

The university specifically provides an application pathway for international applicants, which means the opportunity is not restricted to Australian citizens.

Therefore, eligible candidates from countries across regions such as:

• Africa
• Asia
• Europe
• North America
• South America
• The Middle East
• Oceania
• Other parts of the world

may be able to apply.

However, applicants must still meet La Trobe University’s international PhD admission requirements and any additional conditions associated with their selected project.

The opportunity should therefore be described as open to domestic and international applicants, rather than claiming that every person from every country is automatically eligible.

Is There Any Race or Ethnicity Restriction?

No race or ethnicity restriction is stated in the information provided.

The scholarship is based primarily on:

• PhD admission eligibility
• Academic qualifications
• Research suitability
• Project-specific requirements
• Supervisor support
• The strength and relevance of the proposed research

Applicants should therefore focus on demonstrating their academic and research suitability rather than assuming that the opportunity is limited to a particular racial or ethnic group.

How to Apply for the La Trobe Project-Based PhD Scholarship

The application process is particularly important because applicants cannot simply submit a scholarship application through the university portal without first obtaining supervisor support.

The university outlines a specific process.

Step 1: Check Your PhD Eligibility

Before choosing a project, applicants should determine whether they meet La Trobe University’s requirements for admission to a PhD.

This should be done before contacting a supervisor.

Applicants should review the university’s requirements relating to previous academic qualifications, research experience, English language proficiency and other admission conditions.

Step 2: Select a Research Project

Applicants should review the available project list and identify a project that closely matches their academic background and research interests.

The current list includes projects from a wide variety of disciplines.

Applicants should carefully read the description and any additional requirements associated with the project before contacting the supervisor.

Step 3: Review the Project Requirements

Each research project may have specific requirements or conditions.

Applicants should determine:

• Whether their academic background is relevant.
• Whether their research experience matches the project.
• Whether they meet any discipline-specific requirements.
• Whether they satisfy any additional conditions.
• Whether their research interests align with the proposed project.

Choosing a project simply because it has funding is not advisable. A strong academic and research fit is essential.

Step 4: Contact the Primary Supervisor

This is one of the most important stages of the application.

Applicants should email the primary supervisor of their preferred project to express their interest.

The email should include information that allows the supervisor to assess the applicant’s suitability.

La Trobe recommends including:

• A statement explaining your interest in the project.
• Your research goals.
• Academic transcripts.
• Your research thesis or relevant publications.
• Your CV.

Applicants should make their communication professional and specific to the selected research project.

Step 5: Wait for an Invitation to Apply

Applicants should not submit a full application through the online portal before receiving an invitation from the primary supervisor.

La Trobe University explicitly states that applications submitted without an invitation from the primary supervisor will not be accepted without their support.

This means supervisor engagement is a critical part of the process.

The sequence is therefore:

Select project → Contact supervisor → Submit supporting documents → Receive invitation → Submit full PhD and scholarship application.

Step 6: Submit the Full Application

Once the primary supervisor has invited the applicant to apply, the candidate should follow La Trobe University’s instructions for submitting the full PhD application.

Applicants should include the relevant project code in their application.

The available projects use codes beginning with PRO-.

For example:

• PRO-25105
• PRO-25108
• PRO-26139
• PRO-26140
• PRO-26142

Applicants should use the specific project code corresponding to the project they have been invited to apply for.

Application Process for Domestic Applicants

Domestic applicants should submit their application through La Trobe University’s Domestic Online Application System.

When prompted, they should select:

“Graduate Research Applicants”

as the scholarship option.

They should also follow the relevant PhD application instructions provided by La Trobe University.

Application Process for International Applicants

International applicants should submit their application through the International Online Application System.

When selecting the scholarship option, international applicants should choose:

“Project-based PhD Scholarship OR La Trobe Industry Research Scholarship.”

International applicants must also:

1. Complete the Research Statement Form.
2. Complete it for their nominated project.
3. Nominate only one project.
4. Attach the Research Statement Form to their application.
5. Include the appropriate project code.
6. Follow the university’s international PhD application instructions.

Research Areas Available

One of the most attractive aspects of the La Trobe Project-Based PhD Scholarships is the diversity of available research areas.

The current projects cover areas ranging from biomedical science and cancer research to artificial intelligence, education, social sciences, agriculture and public health.

Below is the current project list provided by La Trobe University.

School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment

PRO-25105 — Optical Biosensor for Continuous Monitoring Applications

This project focuses on optical biosensor technologies and their potential applications in continuous monitoring.

It may be particularly relevant to applicants with backgrounds in areas such as biomedical science, engineering, biotechnology, physics or related disciplines, subject to the project’s specific requirements.

School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport

PRO-25108 — Towards Building a Sustainable, Resilient and Fit for Purpose Allied Health Care Hospital System

This research project focuses on developing understanding and approaches related to sustainable and resilient allied healthcare systems.

PRO-26139 — Measuring Hip Dysplasia Burden

This project examines periacetabular osteotomy and co-designed rehabilitation compared with co-designed rehabilitation in adolescents and young adults with hip dysplasia.

It involves a randomised controlled trial known as the HOpE Randomised Controlled Trial.

PRO-26140 — Supporting NDIS Participants with Intellectual Disability to Age Well

This project focuses on the experiences and support needs of NDIS participants with intellectual disability as they age.

School of Cancer Medicine

The School of Cancer Medicine, including the Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute, offers several research projects.

PRO-25110 — Development of HCK Inhibitors

This project focuses on the development of inhibitors targeting HCK.

PRO-25111 — Targeting Metastasis

The project investigates vulnerabilities associated with cancer clonality and its interaction with the microenvironment, with the goal of improving therapy options.

PRO-25114 — Understanding Resistance to MAPK Pathway Inhibitors

This project examines inherent and acquired resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors.

PRO-25118 — Harnessing Nanotechnology

The project explores how nanotechnology can advance drug and gene delivery.

PRO-25121 — Drivers of Pre-Leukaemia Transformation

This research focuses on identifying and targeting factors involved in pre-leukaemia transformation.

PRO-25122 — Immunosurveillance of Myeloid Malignancies

This project examines ways of enhancing immunosurveillance of myeloid malignancies.

PRO-26124 — Epigenetic Variation and X-Chromosome Biology

This project explores epigenetic variation, X-chromosome biology and long-read genomics in human populations and cancer.

School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Applicants interested in computing, engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning and related technologies can consider several projects.

PRO-25117 — Robotic Large-Scale Water Tank Inspection Systems

This project focuses on robotic technologies for inspecting large-scale water tanks.

PRO-25123 — Flexible and Stretchable Pressure Sensors

The project explores flexible and stretchable pressure sensors and soft electronic systems for next-generation wearable and biomedical devices.

PRO-25127 — Machine Learning-Driven Simulation

This research investigates machine learning-driven simulation of synchrotron and XFEL beamlines.

PRO-26142 — Machine Vision and AI for Drone-Based Pasture Classification

This project explores machine vision and artificial intelligence for drone-based pasture classification to support precision dairy grazing.

PRO-26143 — Edge AI-Based Wearable Sensors

This project focuses on edge AI-based wearable sensors for real-time monitoring of dairy cow behaviour and welfare.

School of Education

PRO-26135 — Understanding Teacher Retention Success

This project examines teacher retention success in high-turnover schools using a case study approach.

It may be relevant to researchers interested in education, teacher workforce issues, educational policy and school systems.

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

PRO-26136 — The Political History of Australian Colonial Poetry

This project focuses on the political history of Australian colonial poetry.

Applicants with relevant backgrounds in humanities, literature, history, cultural studies or related areas may find this project particularly relevant, subject to the project’s specific requirements.

School of Nursing and Midwifery

PRO-26138 — Impact of Midwife-Led Group Antenatal Care

This project explores the impact of midwife-led group antenatal care on Caesarean section rates and infant health.

The research involves a multi-site randomised controlled trial.

School of Psychology and Public Health

PRO-25129 — Critical Moments in Responses for Children Affected by Family Substance Use

This project examines responses to children affected by family substance use and focuses on critical moments within those responses.

PRO-26137 — Safety from Family Violence for First Nations Families

This project explores understanding safety from family violence for First Nations families involved in family court litigation.

PRO-26141 — Inequalities in Alcohol Use

This research examines inequalities associated with alcohol use.

La Trobe Rural Health School

PRO-26144 — DNA Damage with Advanced Imaging

This project investigates DNA damage using advanced imaging technologies.

PRO-26145 — Single-Molecule Imaging of DNA Homology Search

This project focuses on single-molecule imaging of DNA homology search processes.

Why This PhD Scholarship Is a Significant Opportunity

The La Trobe project-based scholarships offer several advantages for prospective doctoral researchers.

Generous Annual Stipend

The $36,000 annual stipend provides substantial financial support during the doctoral research period.

Tuition Fee Support

The scholarship provides a tuition fee scholarship for four years, making it particularly attractive to applicants who would otherwise need to finance doctoral tuition independently.

Additional Allowances

Recipients can also receive thesis and relocation allowances.

Multiple Research Disciplines

The scholarship is not restricted to one field. There are projects across:

• Health
• Medicine
• Cancer research
• Biotechnology
• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Engineering
• Agriculture
• Education
• Humanities
• Social sciences
• Nursing
• Midwifery
• Psychology
• Public health
• Biomedical research

International Applicants Can Apply

The opportunity includes a dedicated application pathway for international candidates.

This makes it potentially relevant to prospective PhD students from many countries around the world.

Flexible Commencement

Successful candidates can commence at any time with the support of their supervisor, providing greater flexibility around start dates.

Is This a Fully Funded PhD Scholarship?

The opportunity provides a substantial funded PhD package, including:

• $36,000 annual stipend for 3.5 years.
• Tuition fee scholarship for four years.
• Thesis allowance.
• Relocation allowance.

However, applicants should avoid interpreting this as meaning that every possible cost of living in Australia is automatically covered.

The information provided specifically identifies the stipend, tuition scholarship and allowances. Candidates should carefully review the official scholarship conditions to understand exactly what each component covers.

Important: You Cannot Apply to Every Project

Applicants can only nominate one project when completing the relevant international Research Statement Form.

This makes project selection particularly important.

Candidates should choose the project that most closely aligns with:

• Their academic qualifications.
• Previous research.
• Research methods.
• Thesis experience.
• Publications.
• Professional interests.
• Long-term research goals.

A strong match between the candidate and the project can also make communication with the primary supervisor more effective.

CLICK HERE for more La Trobe University Project-Based PhD Scholarships 2026

Tips for a Strong Application

1. Choose Your Project Carefully

Do not select a project simply because it offers funding.

Read the research description and identify projects that genuinely match your academic and research background.

2. Research the Supervisor

Before sending your email, learn about the primary supervisor’s research interests and previous publications.

This allows you to write a more targeted expression of interest.

3. Prepare a Strong Research Statement

International applicants are required to complete a Research Statement Form for their nominated project.

Use this opportunity to clearly demonstrate your understanding of the project and your research goals.

4. Make Your CV Research-Focused

Highlight:

• Research experience.
• Dissertation or thesis.
• Academic qualifications.
• Publications.
• Research methods.
• Relevant projects.
• Conference presentations.
• Research-related professional experience.

5. Prepare Your Academic Transcripts

La Trobe specifically asks prospective applicants to provide copies of their academic transcripts when contacting the primary supervisor.

Make sure the documents are clear and complete.

6. Include Your Thesis or Publications

If you have completed a relevant research thesis or published academic work, provide it as requested.

This helps the supervisor assess your research capability.

7. Contact the Supervisor Before Applying

This is essential.

Do not submit the full online application before receiving the supervisor’s invitation.

The university states that an application submitted without the required supervisor support will not be accepted.

Key Deadline

There is no fixed annual deadline for the La Trobe Project-Based PhD Scholarships.

Application status:

Open year-round

Project deadline:

Until filled

This means applicants should apply as soon as possible because individual projects may close once a suitable candidate has been selected.

A project being listed today does not guarantee that it will remain available indefinitely.

Who Should Consider Applying?

This opportunity may be particularly suitable for:

• Master’s graduates seeking a PhD.
• Researchers with strong academic backgrounds.
• Candidates with previous research thesis experience.
• Applicants with relevant publications.
• Researchers interested in pursuing doctoral research in Australia.
• International students seeking funded PhD opportunities.
• Domestic Australian applicants seeking project-based doctoral funding.
• Researchers whose interests closely match one of the listed projects.
• Candidates who can establish a strong academic relationship with the relevant supervisor.

Applicants must ultimately satisfy both the university’s PhD admission requirements and the requirements of their selected project.

APPLY HERE.

Important Contact Information

For questions about the application process, domestic applicants can contact:

research.study@latrobe.edu.au

International applicants can contact:

research.studyinternational@latrobe.edu.au

Applicants should use the appropriate contact based on their applicant category.

Final Takeaway

The La Trobe University Project-Based Graduate Research Scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for prospective PhD researchers seeking financial support to undertake doctoral research in Australia.

Successful candidates can receive a $36,000 annual stipend for 3.5 years, a tuition fee scholarship for four years, as well as thesis and relocation allowances.

The scholarships are particularly attractive because applications are open year-round, and successful candidates can commence their research at a mutually suitable time with the support of their supervisor. However, individual projects are available only until filled, making early preparation important.

The opportunity is available to domestic and international applicants, with no specific race, ethnicity, country or continent restriction stated in the information provided. International applicants must follow the dedicated international application process and complete the required Research Statement Form for their selected project.

With projects spanning cancer research, health, AI, engineering, agriculture, education, humanities, social sciences, nursing, psychology, public health and other disciplines, prospective PhD researchers should carefully review the available projects and identify the one that best matches their academic and research background.

Most importantly, applicants should remember that they must contact the primary supervisor first and receive an invitation before submitting the full PhD and scholarship application. This supervisor-supported approach is a central requirement of the application process.

For candidates with the right academic background and a strong match with one of the available research projects, this scholarship offers an opportunity to pursue a PhD at La Trobe University with significant financial support.

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